This is how Ambuja Cement Foundation tackled HIV/AIDS among truck drivers

Ambuja Cement Foundation took up a major health issue of truck drivers and addressed it through a CSR exercise supported by Apollo Tyres Foundation. Right from identifying the problem to devising the solution and execution of the project, the foundation has done a commendable job which truly brings meaning to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

Read this case study to find how a serious issue was dealt with a fine intervention.

The Problem:

The Dhulagarh Truck Terminal in Sankrail, on the outskirts of Kolkata, is indeed a sight to see - approximately 6000 trucks halt there every day so that truckers can park their lorry, await entry into the city at night, drop off and pick up a new load and stretch their legs after the long, hard drive. A major transport hub Kolkata witnesses movements of as many as 50,000 trucks a day, and with unusually long working hours, extended periods away from family, and difficult road and driving conditions, the physical and mental health and well being of truckers was of major concern.

In particular, the spread of HIV/AIDS is an issue affecting truckers, due to the high prevalence of drivers accessing Commercial Sex Workers, and a small percentage of truckers using a condom.

Details of the project

CSR Solution

An important stakeholder for heavy industry, Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) decided to help truckers tackle the problem - collaborating with Apollo Tyres Foundation to initiate the establishment of a Health Care Centre, and under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, also sought Government support.

CSR Execution

Established in 2009 at the Dhulagarh Truck Terminal, the Health Care Centre provides a range of health care services such as the prevention, identification and treatment of HIV/ AIDS along with other sexually transmitted infections. The centre also works on vision care, awareness on tuberculosis and other non-communicable diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure among the driving population.

As many of the health concerns affecting truckers require behaviour and lifestyle changes, the programme has a heavy focus on Behaviour Change Communication - conducting puppet shows and holding information stalls to engage with truckers and teach them better ways to protect and manage their health.

Work on ground

• 81388 truckers counselled
• 464975 truckers reached
• 43990 truckers tested for HIV
• 259 truckers diagnosed HIV+ referred for treatment
• 872575 condoms distributed via campaign

CSR Impact

Slowly, the team at ACF and Apollo Tyres Foundation began to see changes. Footfall in the Clinic increased from 2,704 in 2009-10 to 6,262 in 2018-19. Additionally, the percentage of sexually transmitted patients against footfall decreased from 30.47% to 2.85% - largely thanks to the sale of condoms which has increased from 7814 in 2009-10 to 30,500 in 2018- 19. With such success, ACF and Apollo Tyres Foundation decided to take the programme to other key locations where a high volume of truckers is prevalent. The programme expanded to other locations like Surat, Farakka and Nalagarh where trucks converge on Truck Terminals.

(Note: Inputs are from Ambuja Cement Foundation)